Gay newlywed couple alleges they were booted from Seattle gay bar because of their Israeli citizenship

On Saturday night at approximately 9:45 pm, the couple, spending their honeymoon in the US, went to Diesel, a bar on 14th Ave in Seattle, and approached the bouncer to present their IDs to gain entry. According to the couple, who wished to remain anonymous, “Our IDs are Israeli passports. Upon seeing that our identification was from Israel and accordingly that we were Israeli, the employee’s demeanor immediately changed and he appeared to have a look of disgust on his face.”

The couple continued, “He let us into the establishment initially, but then, only several moments later, approached us within the establishment and told us that we needed to leave. His exact words were “This is going to be a no, and you must leave right now.”

The couple told The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, “We believe that this was a violation of our civil rights as we were subject to discrimination and harassment based on our national origin. We were afraid during this interaction that we would be subject to violence by this employee or others at the establishment, and this caused us public embarrassment, anxiety, and distress.”

“In addition to being illegal discrimination based on national origin, we believe that this was discrimination based on our religion, Judaism, which comes at a time of unprecedented antisemitism across the US and especially in Seattle.”

Diesel told Hoffman in a statement, "The incident you described did not take place at our establishment. The only people asked to leave our premises this past weekend were people who did not have valid ID (validity being defined by WA State LCB as required to enter an establishment that serves alcohol), appeared already intoxicated (WA State LCB does not permit alcohol service to apparently intoxicated persons), and tried to have their friends sneak them in through the back door. Obviously, these details, as confirmed by our security camera system, do not reflect the story you have stated in your email so there must be some misunderstanding."

Before receiving the statement, the couple told Hoffman that Diesel was their first stop of the night.

Diesel added, "We have never and would never refuse someone service based upon their valid (as defined by WA State LCB) passport, no matter the issuing country." The Washington State Liquor Control Board lists a passport as a valid form of ID.

The couple told Hoffman, when asked about the bar's statement, "We would love to see that 'security camera' footage." Diesel did not respond when asked for a copy of the footage.

Google reviews of Diesel, which boasts on its website that it is “fueling the bear scene” for “bikers, buddies, bubbas, blue collars, and bad asses,” with “ice cold beer” and “warm hearts,” reveal that this isn’t the first time allegations of racism and discrimination have been made against the staff of the establishment.

A woman named Courtney wrote, “Bartender was very rude…another customer said that he may be a part of a Seattle freeze but that’s BS he was definitely racist.”

Joseph referenced the same bartender and said, “Bartender Miguel was rude and racist.”

Scott wrote, “Let’s start by saying I’m straight. Went in to this establishment with my wife and our gay friends since we were in the area. I’ve never been to a gay bar, but was excited to give it a go with our friends. Let’s just say I’ve never felt so discriminated against in my life, as someone who fully supports the scene and thinks anyone should be able to live life however they want… it was quite disturbing to be looked and treated the way we were in here. The bartender was super rude and didn’t seem thrilled to be helping the straight couple. We ordered very simple whiskey sours, our drink was literally whiskey and water. So gross. Just a gross energy too honestly.”

He added, “Def won’t be back here, but looking forward to trying out some of the other spots in the area. I will tell people to try anywhere but here and personally look forward to trying out some of the other places in the area with our friends.”

Chanel wrote on Yelp, “NOT a safe place for Black folks, let alone for Black femmes.” The theme of racist and rude bartenders was frequent on review sites.

A person named Micah alleged in a review that Diesel has tried to use the claim of prior intoxication. He wrote in a Yelp review, "They cut me off after one drink. When I asked why, the bartender told me it was 'because of the way that I walked.' I have a temporary injury that prevents me from walking "correctly." Most people don't notice this but apparently the bartender at Diesel did. When I politely tried to explain this, he made very clear to me that I would need to leave immediately. In 44 years on this earth I have never been asked to leave a bar, or anywhere else for that matter. I was not intoxicated; I was not loud; I was not disruptive. I was kind, polite, and trying to get to know someone who I was interested in, and--as you could imagine--didn't go so well after I was kicked out of the bar. I am heartbroken and tremendously embarrassed."

The alleged discrimination of the bar against patrons surprised many, given that the bar itself was discriminated against. 11 years ago, when it first opened, a local printer refused printing service because it did not pcondone a "homosexual lifestyle," according to KING 5 News.

At the time, the American Civil Liberties Union said the incident violated state law.

The newlywed couple told Hoffman that they reported the bar’s discrimination on Tuesday to the Seattle Office for Civil Rights and are awaiting their reply.

A friend of the couple told Hoffman, “The local LGBTQ+ community has had very vocal support for Palestine and Hamas following the October 7th attack, even with calls to globalize the Intifada. However, ironically, Gaza is one of the most dangerous places in the world for the LGBTQ+ community, according to a published by the UN. Whereas Israel is widely known as the .”